700 in Hawaii obtain civil union license

Source: Hawaii News Now

HONOLULU - It's been a year since Hawaii enacted the civil union law.

And since then, about 700 same-sex couples have legally tied the knot.

"Not only locally but nationally, you're seeing a change and a shift in people feeling more positive and confident about supporting the LGBT community and seeking it as equal rights," said Tambry Young, president of Citizens for Equal Rights.

Under Hawaii's law, same-sex couples receive the same rights, benefits and legal protections that heterosexual couples.

Hilo resident Saralyn Morales was one of the first to legalize her partnership.

1. Congratulations to them!

2. Hawaii has lead the way

Their civil unions were open to any two adults who could not legally marry. This included not only same sex couples, but also siblings and other blood relatives who formed a household and ought to be afforded equal protection. Bravo to Hawaii for being more broad minded than others.